Underwater positioning system for scuba divers

ABSTRACT

An underwater positioning system for scuba divers includes a base station having an underwater transmitter and receiver for sending and receiving underwater signals. The system also includes at least one diver unit having a scuba-style mask with a plurality of receivers for detecting the transmitted base signal. A diver display is positioned within the inside facing portion of the mask for indicating the direction of the base station. The diver unit also includes a transmitter for sending an emergency SOS signal to the base station and other diver units.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application Ser. No.62/257,782 filed on Nov. 20, 2015, the contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to location systems and moreparticularly to an underwater positioning system for scuba divers.

BACKGROUND

The statements in this section merely provide background informationrelated to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

Safety is the most important aspect of any sport or activity. Withparticular regard to scuba diving, there are many inherent risks whichmust be managed to ensure a safe and pleasant experience for theparticipants. In this regard, one of the most important aspects of scubadiving is to ensure that all divers safely return to the Point of Entry(POE), such as a dive boat, for example.

The need for a scuba diver to be able to find and reach their POE isespecially important in light of new technology such as electricallypowered “tugs” which can take divers significantly further from theirPOE than would be otherwise possible. In situations where the diver isunable to return to their POE, the diver must perform an open watersurfacing procedure. Such procedures are particularly dangerous, as thediver may not be equipped with a surface flag or other such device thatnotifies boat traffic of the location of the surfacing diver. As such,many accidents have occurred wherein a diver attempting to surface at alocation other than their POE has been struck and killed by a passingboat.

Moreover, although scuba divers are taught to always swim in pairs, manydivers routinely ignore this safety rule. As such, if a solo diverbecomes lost and/or disoriented due to unexpected inclement weather, forexample, and/or experiences a medical emergency, the diver currently hasno way to notify others, including the dive boat, that he or she is introuble.

Accordingly, the present invention directed to an underwater positioningsystem for scuba divers provides a new and innovative approach toalleviate the issues described above. The manner by which will becomemore apparent in the description which follows, particularly when readin conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an underwater positioning systemfor scuba divers. One embodiment of the present invention can include abase station having an underwater transmitter and receiver for sendingand receiving underwater signals. The invention can also include atleast one diver unit which can receive the underwater signalstransmitted by the base station and provide a visual indication of thedirection of the same.

In one embodiment, the diver unit includes a scuba-style mask having aplurality of receivers for detecting the transmitted base signal fromany direction, and a diver display that is positioned within the insidefacing portion of the mask. The diver display can include a plurality oflighted elements which can be selectively illuminated to indicate thedirection of the base station.

In yet another embodiment, the diver unit can further include anemergency transmitter that can send an emergency SOS signal to each ofthe base station and other diver units.

This summary is provided merely to introduce certain concepts and not toidentify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Presently preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should beappreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to the precisearrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the underwater positioning system thatis useful for understanding the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of the base station, in accordancewith one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the diver unit, in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3B is a simplified block diagram of the diver unit, in accordancewith one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a back side view of the diver unit, in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the underwater positioning system inoperation, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the specification concludes with claims defining the features ofthe invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that theinvention will be better understood from a consideration of thedescription in conjunction with the drawings. As required, detailedembodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, itis to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplaryof the invention which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore,specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not tobe interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and asa representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variouslyemploy the inventive arrangements in virtually any appropriatelydetailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are notintended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandabledescription of the invention.

Although described and illustrated with regard to an underwater system,the inventive concepts disclosed herein are not limiting to anunderwater environment. As such, elements of the system can be performedin any environment wherein locating a point of entry and/or aparticipant in trouble is desirable. More specifically, one such variantis intended for use with firefighters, and can be integrated intofirefighting equipment without undue experimentation.

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate various embodiments of an underwater positioningsystem for scuba divers 10 that is useful for understanding theinventive concepts disclosed herein. Throughout the drawings, identicalreference numerals are used for like elements of the invention orelements of like function. For the sake of clarity, only those referencenumerals are shown in the individual figures which are necessary for thedescription of the respective figure. For purposes of this description,the terms “upper,” “bottom,” “right,” “left,” “front,” “vertical,”“horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention asoriented in FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, one embodiment of the underwater positioning systemfor scuba divers 10 can include, essentially, a base station 20 and oneor more diver units 30.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of the base station 20illustrated in FIG. 1. As shown, the base station can include a mainbody 21 having a processor 22 that is conventionally connected to aninternal memory 23, a timer module 24, a diver communication unit 25, auser interface 26, and/or a power source 27.

Although illustrated as separate elements, those of skill in the artwill recognize that one or more system components may comprise, orinclude one or more printed circuit boards (PCB) containing any numberof integrated circuit or circuits for completing the activitiesdescribed herein. The processor may be one or more integrated circuitshaving firmware for causing the circuitry to complete the activitiesdescribed herein. Of course, any number of other analog and/or digitalcomponents capable of performing the below described functionality canbe provided in place of, or in conjunction with the below describedcontroller elements.

The main body 21 can house each of the elements in a conventionalmanner, so as to create a single device. In this regard, the main body21 can take any number of different shapes and sizes, and can beconstructed from any number of different materials and methods. In onepreferred embodiment, the main body 21 can be constructed from alightweight waterproof and corrosion-resistant material such as plastic,for example, having a plurality of internal connectors (not shown) forsecurely housing each of the device elements. Of course, any number ofother such materials such as PVC, composites, and various metals, forexample, are also contemplated.

The processor/CPU 22 can act to execute program code stored in thememory 23 in order to allow the device to perform the functionalitydescribed herein. Likewise, a timer module 24 can be provided, and canfunction to accurately measure the passage of time. As described herein,the timer module can be provided as a function of the processor or caninclude a separate physical circuit. In either instance, processors andtimers are extremely well known in the art, therefore no furtherdescription will be provided.

Memory 23 can act to store operating instructions in the form of programcode for the processor 22 to execute. Although illustrated in FIG. 2 asa single component, memory 23 can include one or more physical memorydevices such as, for example, local memory and/or one or more bulkstorage devices. As used herein, local memory can refer to random accessmemory or other non-persistent memory device(s) generally used duringactual execution of program code, whereas a bulk storage device can beimplemented as a persistent data storage device such as a hard drive,for example. Additionally, memory 23 can also include one or more cachememories that provide temporary storage of at least some program code inorder to reduce the number of times program code must be retrieved fromthe bulk storage device during execution. Each of these devices are wellknown in the art.

The diver communication unit 25 can include any number of differentcomponents that are capable of sending and/or receiving any type ofsignal, in order to communicate wirelessly with an external device, suchas the below described diver unit 30. In the preferred embodiment, thecommunication unit 25 can include a portable sonar system having one ormore transmitters 25 a, transducers 25 b, and receivers 25 c. In oneembodiment, a transmitter, transducer and/or receiver can be locatedwithin a waterproof housing 25 d that is connected to the main body viaan elongated cable 25 e so as to allow the same to be removablypositioned underwater at the divers POE. In yet another embodiment, aplurality of such waterproof housings can be deployed as an array so asto allow a user of the base station to locate a diver unit transmittinga distress signal, as described below with regard to FIG. 5. Oneexemplary embodiment of a portable sonar unit which may be used inconjunction with the communication unit is described in U.S. Pat. No.7,145,835, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Upon receiving a command from the CPU 21, the transmitter 25 a can emita signal, such as sound waves 2 through the water W for detection by thediver unit 30 (See FIG. 5). Likewise, the receiver 25 c can receive anemergency distress signal, such as sound waves 3, for example; that canbe transmitted through the water W from the diver unit 30.

In the preferred embodiment, the transmitted signals 2 and/or 3 caninclude a specific identifier which can be identified by the diver unit30 and the base station 20, respectively. In this regard, the soundwaves 2 and 3 can include any number of unique and/or distinctiveelements such as a distinct or specific frequency, modulation, amplitudeand/or signal, for example, that can allow the signal filter within therespective communication unit to recognize the transmitted signal, andto distinguish the same from other underwater noise and/or differentunderwater location systems which may be in use nearby. Such signals canbe stored within the device memory 23, and implemented by the processor22 to the transmitter 25 a, for example.

The user interface 26 can include any form of input/output device havingany number of different components that can function to accept userinputs and/or to provide operating information to a device user. Invarious embodiments, the user interface can include or control anynumber of different buttons/switches 26 a that are connected to theprocessor 22 so as to activate various programmatic functions. The userinterface can also include or control any number of lights 26 b so as toprovide information to the user, such as whether the device is in the ONor OFF operating state, for example.

Moreover, the user interface can include or control any number of userdisplays, such as a touch screen Graphic User Interface (GUI) 26 c, forexample that is capable of performing two way communications with adevice user. Likewise, the user interface can also include or controlany number of communication ports 26 d, such as the illustrated microUSB ports, for example, in order to send and receive information withanother device via a direct communication link.

In this regard, the communication ports 26 d can be communicativelylinked to the diver unit via a communication cable 26 d 1, in order topair a particular diver unit 30 with the base station 20. As describedherein, the term “pairing” can include providing the diver unit with thespecific identifier so as to allow the diver unit to receive and/or sendtransmitted signals with a respective base station, as described above.Although described as utilizing a physical cable to pair the devices,other embodiments are contemplated wherein the base station can bepaired with each of the diver units in a wireless manner. One suchexample can include a Bluetooth transceiver located in each of the diverunits and the base station.

In various embodiments, the user interface can also include an emergencydiver locator 28. The emergency locator can be incorporated into theabove described GUI, and/or can include essentially identical featuresand functionality to the below described diver display 40.

In one preferred embodiment, the base station 20 can be powered 27 viathe onboard power supply of the vessel in which the base station islocated. As such, the base station can include any necessary componentssuch as one or more AC and/or DC power cords, for example. Of course,the base station 20 can also include one or more batteries that arecapable of providing the necessary power requirements to each elementwhen outside power is not available.

FIGS. 3A, 3B and 4 illustrate one embodiment of the diver unit 30. Asshown, the diver unit can include a diver control unit 33, a diverdisplay 40, and a diver attachment device such as the illustratedunderwater mask 31 and head strap 32.

In the illustrated embodiment, the underwater mask 31 can include ascuba-style mask having a frame 31 a, one or more lenses 31 b, a faceskirt 31 c and/or a nose pocket 31 d, that are connected to the headstrap 32 in accordance with known methodologies. Of course, the diverattachment unit is not limited to the illustrated mask and strap, as anytype of device that can be worn on or secured to a user in an underwaterenvironment is also contemplated. Several nonlimiting examples includewristwatch-style displays, underwater tablets, dive computers, and othersuch instruments which can be used with or integrated into diveequipment.

As shown best in FIG. 3B, the diver control unit 33 can include a mainbody 33 a having a processor 22′ that is conventionally connected to aninternal memory 23′, a timer module 24′, a base communication unit 34, auser interface 35, an onboard power source 36 and/or a diver display 40.

The main body 33 a of the diver control unit can preferably beconstructed from a lightweight fully waterproof material that issuitable for storing the device components when operating in underwaterenvironments of 100 feet or more. Owing to the fact that the controlunit is designed to be worn on or about the head of a user, it ispreferred that the unit 33 be as small and lightweight as possible. Inthis regard, the main body can include any number of different shapesand sizes, and can include any number of connectors for securing thebody 33 a onto or within any portion of the mask 31 and/or strap 32. Invarious embodiments, the unit 33 can be included into the newconstruction of the mask or strap, so as to form an integral componentof the same at a time of manufacture.

The processor 22′, memory 23′ and timer module 24′ can includesubstantially identical elements to the above described processor 22,memory 23 and timer module 24. The power source 36 can include one ormore lightweight batteries capable of providing the necessary powerrequirements to each element of the diver unit 30. In one preferredembodiment, the batteries can be permanently located within the mainbody 33 a and can be rechargeable in nature via the communication andcharging port 35 b, for example. Of course, traditional batteries canalso be utilized and the main body can further include a watertightbattery compartment having a removable cover (not illustrated) forallowing a user to access the same. Moreover, in one embodiment, thediver unit can include the necessary components to allow the internalbatteries to be charged via an induction charger, for example.

The base communication unit 34 can include any number of differentcomponents that are capable of sending and/or receiving any type ofsignal, in order to communicate wirelessly with an external device, suchas the above described base station 20. In the preferred embodiment, thecommunication unit 34 can include a portable sonar system having aplurality of receiver sensors 34 a that are disposed along the mask 31and/or strap 32. As shown, the sensors are preferably arranged in acircular formation about the circumference of the mask and strap, so asto receive signals from any direction when worn by an underwater diver.The communication unit 34 can also include an SOS transducer andtransmitter 34 b.

Each of the receiver sensors 34 a can function to detect and receive thesound waves 2 transmitted by the base station 20 containing the abovedescribed specific identifier. Upon receiving the signal from one ormore of the sensors, the processor and memory can perform a signaldirection triangulation. The triangulation can be performed, forexample, by comparing the strength of the received signal at eachreceiver, for example. In either instance, once the direction has beentriangulated, the processor can activate the diver display 40 to showthe diver where the signal is coming from.

In an emergency situation, the communication unit 34 can also functionto transmit an SOS signal, such as a sound wave for example, having aspecific emergency identifier. This emergency signal can be received bythe base station 20 and any other diver units 30, wherein the diverdisplay 40 of each mask, and the emergency diver locator 28 of the basestation 20 can be used to allow others to find the diver in distress.The SOS feature can be activated by the diver via a button 33 a or othersuch device.

In various embodiments, the diver unit 30 can also include functionalityfor automatically transmitting an SOS signal 3. For example, the timermodule 24′ can notify the processor 22′ that a predetermined amount oftime, (such as 3 minutes, for example) has passed. If, during such timethe receiver sensors 34 a have not detected a change in thetriangulation of the base station signal 2, the processor can activatethe transmitter 34 b. Such a feature also being advantageous forallowing someone to locate and retrieve a lost mask, for example. Ofcourse, other means for identifying an emergency situation andactivating the SOS feature are also contemplated.

The user interface 35 can include any form of input/output device havingnumber of different components that can function to accept user inputsand/or to provide operating information to a device user. In variousembodiments, the user interface can include or control any number ofdifferent buttons/switches 35 a, that are connected to the processor 22′so as to activate various programmatic functions. The user interface canalso include a wireless transceiver and/or one or more communicationports 35 b, which can function to pair the diver unit with the basestation 20, as described above.

The diver display 40 can include any number of different components thatare capable of functioning to provide a visual indication of thelocation of the base station 20 and/or an SOS signal to a diver 1wearing the diver unit 30. As shown in FIG. 4, one embodiment of thediver display 40 can include a light strip 41 having a plurality oflight emitting diodes (LED) disposed thereon. The display can be locatedalong an inside facing portion of the mask 31, so as to be visible to adiver at all times. In this regard, the light strip can be adhered tothe mask utilizing any type of adhesive material and/or can beintegrated with the construction of the mask so as to form an integralcomponent thereof.

In the illustrated embodiment, the display 40 can function toselectively illuminate the LED's based on the orientation of the diverunit 30 to the transmitter of the base station 20. For example, when thediver is heading directly towards the base station, the center light 42a can be illuminated. Alternatively, when the base station is on theleft side of the diver, lights 42L1, 42L2 and 42L3 can be selectivelyilluminated, based on how far to the left (or behind the diver) the basestation is. Likewise, when the base station is on the right side of thediver, lights 42R1, 42R2 and 42R3 can be selectively illuminated, basedon how far to the right (or behind the diver) the base station is.

In either instance, each of the lights can be configured to produce anynumber of different colors in varying brightness. Also, the lights canbe configured to flash or produce various patterns to notify the diverwearing the diver unit. For example, when the diver unit is receivingthe signal 2 from the base station, the lights can be selectivelyactivated to display a green indication, whereas when an SOS signal isdetected the lights can be selectively illuminated in red. In variousembodiments, the base station can send a return signal to each of thedive units to indicate that the dive time is over. Such a signal canresult in the lights flashing, for example. Of course, any number ofother signals and meanings can be performed.

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of the system 10 in operation. Asshown, the base station 20 can be located at the divers Point of Entry(POE), such as a dive boat 5, for example. Upon pairing each of thediver units 30 with the base station 20, as described above, the basestation transmitter and receiver in the housing 25 d can be suspendedbelow the water W via the cable 25 e, and the divers 1 can enter thewater. During the dive, the transmitter can emit the sound waves 2through the water which can be detected by each of the dive unitsproviding the same with the location of the POE at all times. In theevent that a diver experiences an emergency situation, the affecteddiver can transmit an SOS signal 3 to the base station and other nearbydivers for assistance.

As described herein, one or more elements of the base station 20 and/orthe diver unit 30 can each be secured together utilizing any number ofknown attachment means such as, for example, screws, glue, compressionfittings and welds, among others. Moreover, although the aboveembodiments have been described as including separate individualelements, the inventive concepts disclosed herein are not so limiting.To this end, one of skill in the art will recognize that one or moreindividually identified elements may be formed together as one or morecontinuous elements, either through manufacturing processes, such aswelding, casting, or molding, or through the use of a singular piece ofmaterial milled or machined with the aforementioned components formingidentifiable sections thereof.

As to a further description of the manner and use of the presentinvention, the same should be apparent from the above description.Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage andoperation will be provided.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Thedescription of the present invention has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Theembodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and the practical application, and to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention forvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

What is claimed is:
 1. An underwater positioning system, comprising: abase station that includes a main body, a user interface that functionsto send and receive operating instructions with a device user, and adiver communication unit that includes a transmitter and a receiver,said unit further including functionality for transmitting and receivingunderwater signals having a specific identifier; and at least one diverunit, each of the at least one diver unit including a diver attachmentdevice, and a diver control unit that functions to receive thetransmitted underwater signals, and a diver display that provides avisual indication of a direction of the base station relative to alocation of the diver unit based on the received transmitted underwatersignals.
 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a waterproofhousing that is in communication with the main body of the base stationvia an elongated cable, said waterproof housing including the divercommunication unit transmitter and receiver therein.
 3. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the specific identifier includes a specific frequencymodulation.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the diver communicationunit includes a portable sonar unit, and the underwater signals includesound waves.
 5. The system of claim 1, further comprising: at least onecommunication port that is disposed along the base station; and acomplementary communication port that is disposed along each of the atleast one diver units, wherein the communication port and the at leastone complementary communication port are configured to receive acommunication cable for pairing the diver unit with the base station. 6.The system of claim 1, wherein the diver attachment unit includes anunderwater mask and head strap.
 7. The system of claim 6, furthercomprising: a plurality of receiver sensors that are disposed along atleast one of the mask and head strap.
 8. The system of claim 6, furthercomprising: a plurality of receiver sensors that are disposed along eachof the mask and the head strap, said sensors being arranged in acircular formation about a circumference of the mask and head strap andfunction to receive the transmitted underwater signals from anydirection.
 9. The system of claim 6, wherein the diver display ispositioned within an inside facing portion of the mask.
 10. The systemof claim 9, wherein the diver display includes a plurality of lightedelements, said lighted elements being selectively illuminated toindicate the direction of the base station relative to the location ofthe diver unit.
 11. The system of claim 1, further comprising: atransmitter that is positioned within the diver unit, said transmitterbeing configured to transmit an emergency SOS signal.
 12. The system ofclaim 11, wherein the receiver of the base station includesfunctionality for receiving the emergency SOS signal.
 13. The system ofclaim 11, wherein the at least one diver unit comprises: a plurality ofdiver units, and each of the plurality of diver units are configured toreceive each of the transmitted underwater signal and the emergency SOSsignal.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the diver display of each ofthe plurality of diver units includes a plurality of lighted elementsthat are selectively illuminated to indicate the direction of the base,and a direction of the emergency SOS signal.